820 more pre-K seats to open statewide, Maui judge grapples with wildfire settlement standoff, runoff predicted in Hawaii County mayoral race, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State to open ‘historic’ number of pre-K classrooms ahead of new school year. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke made the announcement at Kuhio Elementary on Friday that 44 new classrooms will open statewide come August.  The expansion of public classrooms will add 820 more seats to the inventory of public pre-K seats across Hawaii, bringing the total to 1,767.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui Judge Tries To Clear The Path To A Settlement Of Billion-Dollar Wildfire Cases. Judge Peter Cahill issued an order Friday requiring all sides to talk next month after defendant Hawaiian Electric Industries joined plaintiffs in asking him to step in. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric details power shutoff program. A top Hawaiian Electric Co. official says the company’s wildfire notification and mitigation efforts are moving forward on several fronts “to give people as much notice as we can.” Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

The Miske Criminal Enterprise May Be Gone But Other Powerful Crime Networks Remain. Federal prosecutors say the community is safer because of Michael Miske's racketeering conviction, but other groups are still at work in Hawaii's criminal underworld. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Military forces practice coastal combat at Bellows during RIMPAC. At this year’s iteration of exercise Rim of the Pacific, service members from countries in Asia, the Pacific islands and Latin America have joined American Marines in training around Bellows Beach, practicing amphibious fighting tactics. Star-Advertiser.

More initiatives for improvements around Waikiki. Over $11 million allocated for sand replenishment and other improvements to the Waikiki Beach area lapsed June 30, but the Legislature plans to reappropriate the funds in 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Amazon delivery station on Oʻahu set to open in August. There is a new business opening on Oʻahu that is getting a lot of attention. It's taking up more than half a million square feet— and providing hundreds of jobs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Mayoral spending tops $277K: UH political scientist predicts runoff between Roth, Alameda. Colin Moore, a University of Hawaii political scientist, thinks the top two vote-getters in the seven-person race on Election Day, Saturday, Aug. 10, will be Mayor Mitch Roth and first-time candidate Kimo Alameda. Tribune-Herald.

County to study economics of short-term rental industry on Big Island, but likely won’t delay proposed new regulations. A June report for The Travel Technology Association states nearly 44% of all Big Island visitors stayed in short-term rentals in 2023, contributing about $1.3 billion to the local economy and resulting in more than $17.7 million in transient accommodations tax revenue and $7.1 million-plus in general excise tax revenue. Big Island Now.

Authorities Believe They Finally Figured Out Who Murdered Dana Ireland 30 Years Ago. Then He Killed Himself. A Puna man recently identified as a new suspect in the 1991 murder of Dana Ireland on the Big Island killed himself last week, just days after Hawaii County police took a cheek swab for DNA testing purposes, attorneys in the case say. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Approval Of New Moorings Off Mauna Lani Postponed By Land Board. A decision on a request to install two new offshore moorings in Makaiwa Bay offshore the Mauna Lani Resort on Hawaiʻi island was deferred by the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday, after the community spoke out in opposition. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina’s Front Street Property Owners Are Eager To Rebuild, But It’s Complicated. Sea level rise, permitting and a push for restoration of a buried historic site and wetlands make it challenging. Civil Beat.

Ward calls for the release of ATF’s Cause and Origin Report for the Lahaina wildfire. Representative Gene Ward (R-18 Hawaii Kai – Kalama Valley) expressed his strong dismay at the stalled release of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives report regarding the cause and origin of the Lahaina wildfires, according to a Friday press release.  Maui News.

Emotions running high as Lahaina fire anniversary nears. The need for staples including bottled water, toilet paper, diapers and food has only increased since the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires, and so have the emotions and uncertainty as the island prepares to mark the one-year anniversary since a wind-whipped firestorm tore across Lahaina, killing at least 102 people and leaving two still missing in the nation’s deadliest inferno of its kind in over a century. Star-Advertiser.

Six new public preschools opening this August. More Child Care Is On Its Way To Lahaina Families. Some early learning programs are reopening after their centers were destroyed last summer, but providers say more resources are needed. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

$33 million beachfront estate in Wailea-Mākena to auction. It is currently for sale by Tina Moss and Edward White as Trustees of the Jerome S. Moss Living Trust. The late Jerry Moss was the co-founder of A&M Records. This property is expected to garner starting bids between $15 million and $20 million. Maui Now.

Kauai

Surfrider Kauaʻi continues focus on marine debris following release of annual report. The Surfrider Kauaʻi chapter removed 39,581 pounds of marine debris from beaches around the island, and 10,200 pounds of land-based trash, for a total of 49,788 pounds in 2023. Kauai Now.

New state laws address highway safety, driver's licenses, shoreline protection; Honolulu rail CEO wants tax extended, Kauai managing director moves to Schatz' office, beers created from rice, ti root, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Roadway Safety Bills Signed Into Law. Seven bills relating to roadway safety in Hawaiʻi were signed into law by Governor Josh Green on Thursday, during a ceremony on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

A new law makes driver license renewal easier. You will eventually be able to renew your driver’s license online or by mail. It was a bill that Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed into law on Thursday, July 6. KHON2.

Increased fines, drones to protect Hawaii shorelines . Governor signs measures to boost coastal management, enforcement.  Gov. Josh Green signed a handful of bills Thursday related to coastal protection. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

In fight against erosion, new legal weapon targets homeowners who go rogue. As ocean levels rise, new rules give the state more power to keep people from breaking the law to protect their properties from erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool educators stipend program finally launches.  Despite a two-year wait to fully launch Hawaii’s first public stipend program for early-childhood educators, state officials are hopeful that it will make big strides toward solving a chronic and severe shortage of teachers and caregivers for keiki ages 0 to 5. Star-Advertiser.

DOE spent $168M on bell and alarm system, but more than half of schools still don’t have it. More than half of Hawaii’s 255 public schools rely on aging bell, alarm and P.A. systems due to delays in installing promised high-tech upgrades. Hawaii News Now.

Civil rights attorney to file class action against Hawaii education, health departments. A Honolulu attorney says he's a few weeks away from filing a class action lawsuit against the state over special education services. KITV4.

President’s commission meeting in Hawaii OKs broad set of recommendations. For the first time, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders convened for its quarterly meeting outside of Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians discuss housing challenges with U.S. HUD Secretary.  The visit served as an opportunity for HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and HUD Regional Administrator Jason Pu to listen to the struggles, successes and valuable feedback shared by the community.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii, Honolulu score $4M for climate action plans. The funding — $1 million to Honolulu and $3 million to the state — was announced Thursday in Honolulu by Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. Star-Advertiser.

83,000 Hawaii homes dispose of sewage in cesspools. Hawaii has 83,000 cesspools — more than any other state — and about 20% are less than 0.6 mile from shore. Six years ago, Hawaii mandated the removal of all cesspools by 2050. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council trio needed to reject 64% pay raises in writing. In the days leading up to the controversial start of the salary increases for Hono­lulu’s top elected and appointed officials, Council members Augie Tulba, Andria Tupola and Radiant Cordero were each required to submit a memorandum to the city stating their rejection to the expected $44,400 pay bump — to $113,304 from $68,904. Star-Advertiser.

Businessman Accused Of Bribing Honolulu Prosecutor Points Finger At Feds.  If convicted of bribing former prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, the 79-year-old Dennis Mitsunaga could go to prison for the rest of his life.  Civil Beat.

Rail CEO looks to extend the system — by extending rail surcharge. Mostly with money from the half percent general excise tax, HART has spent about $5 billion so far to get the first 11 miles up and running, construct most of the way from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street and begin utility work on the final segment to Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

Rail Contractor Sues HART Over Construction Delays. Contractor STG is seeking more than $99 million in damages, and says HART "has only itself to blame." The contractor hired to build the 5-mile airport segment of the Honolulu rail line is suing the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, alleging HART’s failure to address problems with the relocation of utilities along the line has caused expensive construction delays. Civil Beat.

Rail ridership falls as paid service begins.  The first day of paid rail ridership saw a drop in interest, as expected, with only 1,245 passengers boarding Skyline trains. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State agrees to purchase and maintain Wahiawā Irrigation System, Lake Wilson.  Gov. Josh Green signed a bill Wednesday that requires his office to negotiate the purchase of Wahiawā Dam, Lake Wilson, and its associated spillways and irrigation ditches.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiwi coast scenic area on Oahu could become state park.  Hawaii might have a new state park by this time in 2024 covering about 340 acres of mostly natural coastal land in East Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu housing market cooled off in June.  The median price for single-family home resales stabilized in June but remained above seven figures at $1,050,000. That was down 4.5% from $1.1 million a year ago and off 5.3% from $1,109,000 in May, according to data released Thursday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County Council approves creation of Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience. The Hawai‘i County Council on Wednesday approved the creation of a cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience — and a new section of county code to govern it — that will lead the County’s efforts to ensure the island can withstand the effects of climate change. Big Island Now.

Council rejects plan for downtown Hilo. A proposal to create a Business Improvement District to revitalize downtown Hilo has been decisively killed after pushback from area business owners. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Wants To Use Opioid Settlement Money To Open Its First Detox Facility. Hawaii County will receive $489,000 in opioid settlement funds this year and just over $100,000 annually thereafter through 2038, Mayor Mitch Roth announced Thursday.  Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

How ‘ōkolehao, an alcoholic spirit made of tī root, could change the liquor industry. Hawaiʻi's first-ever alcoholic spirit made from the root of the tī plant may soon get a boost in popularity from a Big Island brewery.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Keaukaha speed limit change advances. A proposal to reduce the speed limit on Kalanianaole Street is closer to reality after passing a Hawaii County Council committee Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

For the second month in a row, visitor arrivals slowed. In May, there were 240,407 visitors to Maui, down 2.8 percent compared to May 2022 when there were 247,280 visitors, and down 4.5 percent versus May 2019 when there were 251,665 visitors, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui News.

Can’t Afford To Junk Your Car? Maui Will Tow And Recycle It For Free. Officials estimate 2,500 vehicles are abandoned each year in the county. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kamehameha Schools acquires thousands of acres at Kaupō Ranch and Hāmākualoa, Maui. Kamehameha Schools announced today its acquisition of more than 4,500 acres of land from Kaupō Ranch Ltd. on southeastern Maui for approximately $21 million.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Matsuyama named Kauaʻi County’s managing director, replacing Dahilig who joins U.S. Sen. Schatz’ office.  Kauaʻi native Reiko Matsuyama has been appointed as the new managing director of the County of Kaua‘i by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. Kauai Now.

And so we wait': Kauaʻi doctor underscores dialysis needs on island.  The capacity of dialysis treatment on Kauaʻi is critical, according to a local doctor. Dr. Raymond Petrillo, Kauaʻi’s sole kidney doctor, operates his private practice, Island Kidney Care, in Lihuʻe and Waimea.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Rice beer on tap on Rice Street. Rice grower Jerry Ornellas said when the first batch of Jerry’s Rice Beer — the name assigned to the rice-based beer by the Kaua‘i Beer Company — went online on Monday, it was the first time in more than 60 years that Kaua‘i-grown rice was used commercially. Garden Island.

HECO launches electric grid plans, Oahu school may be named after Obama, ex-lawmaker seeks reduced sentence in bribery case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Electric seeks public comment on draft Integrated Grid Plan. The draft plan for its island grids was filed with the Public Utilities Commission, outlining steps the company will take in the coming years to ensure its system will achieve net zero carbon emissions and use 100% local, renewable resources. Maui Now.

Ex-Hawaii lawmaker in bribery case seeks 15-month sentence. Ty J.K. Cullen, the former vice chair of the state House Committee on Finance who pleaded guilty to taking bribes from a wastewater executive is asking a judge to sentence him to 15 months in federal prison, citing his yearlong “substantial assistance” with the U.S. Department of Justice’s public-corruption investigation. Star-Advertiser.

First wave of pre-K classes planned to open ahead of schedule.  Eleven free preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds are scheduled to open a year ahead of schedule in August to help low-income families across the islands, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts to fund public after-school programs cut short by lawmakers. Despite overwhelming support at the Legislature this session, the Senate Ways and Means Committee deferred House Bill 69 on Thursday. It was the last surviving measure that would have provided additional funding to public after-school programs.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Sick and tired of that road racket? Bills to muffle mufflers advance at state Capitol. Lawmakers say they are getting a lot of noise about noise this year ― and are responding with new technology and police tactics. Hawaii News Now.

Spiraling housing prices spark worry about Hawaii’s future. Currently, housing construction is not keeping up with demand. Only 1,000 to 2,000 new housing units are being built in Hawaii each year. Those numbers are dwarfed by the 50,000 new units a 2019 state-commissioned study estimated would be needed by 2025. Associated Press.

Visitors to Hawaii would be charged $50 to visit state parks, other areas. Senate Bill 304 would require nonresidents aged 15 or older to obtain an environmental license to visit state parks or other “natural areas on state land.”  Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority launches new site to share Destination Management progress. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched a new website, “Holomua,” an online platform for sharing collective updates and progress on each of its community-based Destination Management Action Plans. Big Island Now Big Island Video News.

Oahu

In ‘hard to compete’ labor market, city to test flexible work schedules and telework options. The city is launching a pilot program in an effort to entice more workers and fill thousands of vacancies Among the options being promoted: Telework and flexible schedules for many employees. Hawaii News Now.

Rain causes leaks, disruptions at Hawai‘i Convention Center.  Heavy rain that caused pockets of flash flooding in the southern and eastern areas of Oahu on Sunday soaked through the Hawai‘i Convention Center roof, affecting the Kawaii Kon event and removing another five meeting rooms from service. Star-Advertiser.

In heavy rains, an upstream dumping problem triggers a trashy situation on exclusive Kahala Beach. Shopping carts, clothes, and other debris littered Kahala Beach on Monday following heavy rains over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Rail Cost On The Rise As Electric Hookups To Customers Along The Line Are Factored In. More than $700 million in contracts were awarded to relocate utilities in the urban area, but that did not include transformers or electrical lines to homes and businesses. Civil Beat.

City readies for opening of Kapolei to stadium rail segment. The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services is gearing up to take over the coming rail line this year — handling ridership, fares and bolstering the system’s security. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate considers name change for local elementary school. The Senate Committee on Education heard testimony from those both in support of and against the name change of Noelani Elementary School to President Barack Obama Noelani Elementary School. KITV4.

Booze Battle Heats Up As Judge Slaps Liquor Commission Critic With Court Order. Controversies surrounding the beleaguered Honolulu Liquor Commission have taken an unusual turn, with a commission investigations supervisor obtaining a temporary restraining order against a critic who the supervisor says has bombarded the agency with public records requests.  Civil Beat.

Mayor confirms Waipahu District Park pool reopening date. Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced in a town hall meeting on March 30 that the pool is scheduled to reopen to the public on Monday, May 1. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Army official addresses PTA, concerns about China in the Pacific. Maj. Gen. Joe Ryan, commanding general for the Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, provided updates about the Pohakuloa Training Area on Monday at an event held by the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County IT Director Moves To Civil Defense Position. Information Technology Director Scott Uehara has accepted a position within the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, where he will focus on emergency communications systems. Big Island Video News.

False active shooter call prompts lockdown of 3 Hawaii schools. Waiakea High, Waiakea Intermediate School and Waiakea Elementary School were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure due to the seriousness of the call. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County finalists named for UH Board of Regents seat. The finalists for the Hawaii County seat are Michael Miyahira, Kona Moran, Alapaki Nahale-a and Steven Pavao. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill seeks a carrying capacity study for Mākena State Park due to increased visitors. The state House Finance Committee will hear a bill this week that requests a carrying capacity study for Mākena State Park, also known as Oneloa Beach. Maui Now.

Finding of No Significant Impact for Puʻunēnē Ave. road widening and improvement project. The project aims to increase roadway safety and capacity by adding two additional vehicle lanes and shared shoulders.  Maui Now.

Protectors of ancestral remains rail against planned expansion of Maui luxury resort. The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, has been wanting to expand for years. But protectors of ancestral bones, or iwi kupuna, say enough already. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Fire Department seeking $450k to reduce drownings. If secured, the funds would pay for an additional 12 full-time lifeguards, and would allow the department to safeguard all monitored beaches 10 hours a day, seven days a week, through a new “Dawn to Dusk” program. Garden Island.

Understanding alcohol use disorders is key to prevention. A proclamation by Mayor Derek Kawakami states the importance of learning about the behavioral and physical signs of alcohol addiction, child abuse and neglect, and sexual assault, and in working to reduce the incidence of these public health crises from taking place on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.
 

Legislative leaders introduce Native Hawaiian reconciliation measures, Chinese seek asylum from coronavirus, lawmakers want to tighten gun laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian oli at Mauna Kea ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Lawmakers Want State To Reconcile With Native Hawaiians. Resolution would create a “blue ribbon commission” to establish a new relationship based on trust. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Ignited A New Wave Of Hawaiian Pride. Where Does It Go From Here? The protests are seen as part of a long push toward more self-determination for Native Hawaiians, but there is little consensus on how best to achieve that. Civil Beat.

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Pearl Harbor coronavirus quarantine site is readied. Hawaii officials Tuesday toured a Pearl Harbor quarantine site provided by the Navy to monitor the dwindling number of U.S. citizens returning to the United States from Hubei province in China, which is the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Green visits coronavirus quarantine facility, tries to extinguish fears. The state set up a quarantine site on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for any US citizens traveling from Hubei province in China diverted to Honolulu. KHON2.

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Asylum seekers from China being held in federal detention center at Honolulu airport. Two asylum seekers from China trying to flee from the deadly coronavirus were taken into custody at the airport by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after trying to enter Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Two People From China Seek Asylum in Hawaii Prior To Mandatory Coronavirus Quarantine. Two asylum seekers from China have been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after arriving at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii Public Radio.

2 Chinese nationals seeking asylum arrived in Hawaii before new restrictions took effect. The state Health Department is seeking to reassure the public following news that two asylum seekers from China are being held in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Two asylum seekers from China held at Federal Detention Center. The state says two asylum seekers from China arrived in Honolulu over the weekend most likely before the travel ban went into effect. KHON2.

Two asylum seekers from China detained at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Two people from China seeking asylum in the United States were detained at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport over the weekend. KITV4.

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6 Hawaii residents on ship quarantined. An Ewa Beach couple is among at least six Hawaii residents who have been quarantined to their rooms on a cruise ship in Japan after 10 people aboard tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii couple among those quarantined on cruise ship after passengers fall ill with coronavirus. An Ewa Beach couple is among thousands quarantined on a cruise ship off Japan after 10 people on the vessel tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants ask again to be allowed to wear masks. Flight attendants from Hawaiian Airlines are again asking the company to allow them to wear masks while in flight especially from Asian destinations. KHON2.

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Changes to laws on mental illness and guns are proposed. State lawmakers announced a package of proposals Tuesday afternoon designed to provide more help to people with mental illnesses, and to close loopholes in Hawaii’s firearm laws in the wake of the Jan. 19 shooting deaths of two Honolulu police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Work To Keep The Mentally Ill Out Of Jail. Mental health advocates, state officials, police and lawmakers have been working together to come up with better ways to get treatment for non-violent offenders. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers aim to address gun violence, mental health. Hawaii lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled several measures to prevent gun violence and boost mental health care weeks after a Honolulu resident fatally shot two police officers, started a fire that burned down several homes, and killed his landlord and himself. Associated Press.

Lawmakers seek to boost mental health care, tighten gun laws with new bills. Hawaii lawmakers announced a legislative package Tuesday aimed at preventing gun violence in the state by filling the gaps in mental health care. Hawaii News Now.

Law enforcement and legislators call for stricter gun laws and mental health care expansion. Gun violence and mental health were big discussions at the capital as Hawaii state leaders bring these two issues to the forefront after last month’s tragedy at Diamond Head. KHON2.

State lawmakers propose stricter gun laws to keep firearms out of criminals' hands. A public hearing is set for Thursday to discuss a range of gun control measures, including notifying police when a gun owner passes away and requiring permits for ammunition purchases. KITV.

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Measure could put early learning classes in Hawaii libraries. Hawaii libraries could accommodate early learning classrooms under a state legislative proposal to expand childcare services, officials have said. Hawaii News Now.

Bill Banning Moonlighting Mayors Moves Forward. But the Senate Judiciary Committee removed provisions prohibiting the governor from holding an outside job. Civil Beat.

Smoking in the crosshairs: Bill raising Hawaii’s legal tobacco age to 25 passes House committee. Nearly four years after the Aloha State banned the sale of such items to those under 21, expanding statewide a law passed in 2014 by the Hawaii County Council that did just that on the Big Island, Rep. Richard Creagan (D-Kona, Ka‘u) is looking to up the age again. West Hawaii Today.

Bills Relating to Flavored Tobacco Bans Up This Week. Here is a list of bills relating to tobacco bans and regulations that are scheduled for public hearing this week. Maui Now.

Lawmakers propose decriminalizing larger amounts of cannabis. In what may be another small step toward eventual legalization of cannabis here, a key state Senate committee Tuesday tentatively approved a bill to decriminalize possession of up to 10 grams in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Look To Add Dental Coverage For Medicaid Recipients. The benefit was cut from Medicaid 10 years ago and local dentists say they can see the consequences. Civil Beat.

Isles won’t have Iowa’s caucus problem, says head of state party. Hawaii Democrats will use a new mail-in balloting process and a new ranked-choice voting system to poll party members on who they want to be the next president of the United States, but interim Hawaii Democratic Party Chairwoman Kate Stanley said she does not expect to see anything like the problems on Monday that threw the Iowa caucuses into turmoil. Star-Advertiser.

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25% of sex trafficking victims led into it by family, study finds. The “Sex Trafficking in Hawaii 2019” report released Tuesday is the third segment of a multipart study on sex trafficking by the Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research and the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. Star-Advertiser.

Sex trafficking study finds high percentage of Native Hawaiian victims. Nearly 65% of victims say they are full or part Native Hawaiians. KITV.

Study: Hawai‘i 3rd Most Expensive State for Kupuna Renters. More than half of Hawaiʻi’s kupuna living alone lack the financial resources to pay for basic needs, according to a new study. Maui Now.

Oahu

‘Kauhale’ housing for homeless suffers setback. Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s dream of a statewide system of “kauhale” tiny homes to provide permanent housing for Hawaii’s homeless suffered a setback Tuesday when two House committees voted to study the concept rather than move out a bill that would have provided $20 million for a one-year pilot program. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu group sends thousands of masks, protective clothing to China to aid in coronavirus outbreak. The Hawaii Fujian Business Association has sent 100,000 masks and 2,500 pieces of protective clothing to Fuzhou to assist in the containment of the coronavirus from China that has spread across the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council panel nixes herbicide resolution. A nonbinding resolution urging Mayor Harry Kim and his administration to reduce herbicide use was withdrawn by its sponsors Tuesday when it became clear the measure was about to be voted down. West Hawaii Today.

Public Outraged Over Herbicide Bill Veto, Override Fail. Testifiers criticized Hawaii County officials over the failure of a bill that proposed to end county herbicide use at parks and roads. Big Island Video News.

County Council Squashes Herbicide Resolution. A short-lived resolution to reduce Hawai‘i County’s use of herbicides on government-managed lands met its end Tuesday in committee. Big Island Now.

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Federal notice includes $83M for county. Hawaii County can now take its next step to secure than $80 million in federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to aid in recovery from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Transfer station waste limits likely to be delayed. A series of new limits to how much waste can be disposed of at the county’s transfer stations will likely be rolling out later than expected. Tribune-Herald.

Council members briefed on status of closed beach parks. One long-closed beach park on the Hamakua coast could reopen by March, while another will remain closed indefinitely. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai'i County Offering New Heart Attack Help on Big Island. Hawai’i County has started to use a new strategy to respond faster to a particular kind of medical emergency. It’s a way to get qualified people to help with cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island police captain elected head of international homicide investigators group. Hawaii County Police Department’s Capt. Gregory Esteban was elected as president of the 2,600-member International Homicide Investigators Association, the department announced this week. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lawmakers propose that state buy Maui watershed area. County has tried for years to purchase Wailuku Water Co. land. Calling it “a rare opportunity” to preserve an ecosystem of native plants, endangered species and a key source of drinking water, lawmakers are looking to have the state purchase a nearly 9,000-acre watershed in the West Maui Mountains. Maui News.

County to Repair Coastal Dune in Kihei. A project to provide targeted sand dune restoration at the southern end of Kamaole I Beach Park is slated to begin next week and last up to three weeks, the county announced on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Ram Dass services set for Monday at the Castle Theater. A celebration of life for counterculture icon Ram Dass will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday at the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

Safari pilot had licensed revoked. The pilot of the helicopter that went down near Koke‘e a month ago had his license revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2010 for drug use but was issued new certifications a year later and rehired after completing a substance abuse treatment program. Garden Island.

Peaceful demonstration at Lihue Airport. On the first day of negotiations between Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants and the board of directors, a handful of flight attendants held a peaceful demonstration at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue, Kealoha lawyer quits, 2020 census to be online, Maui residents return after wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:NPS

Key progress made in Arizona Memorial access. A more than $2.1 million project to restore walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial is getting closer to completion, with a 105-foot floating concrete dock repositioned next to the memorial and a new anchoring system in place beneath it. Star-Advertiser.

New Pre-K Locations Announced After Expansion Bill Becomes Law. The 10 classrooms will be at the following schools: on Oahu, Aiea Elementary, Haleiwa Elementary, Nanaikapono Elementary, Waianae Elementary, Palolo Elementary and Waimanolo Elementary & Intermediate; on Big Island, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary, Hilo Union Elementary and Honaunau Elementary; and on Maui, Pukalani Elementary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Loses One Attorney While A Second Seeks A Retrial. The former city prosecutor’s publicly funded defense lawyer was allowed to withdraw from the case on the same day her privately paid attorney made new claims. Civil Beat.

Kealoha attorneys seek new trial — and claim they’ve found Alison Lee Wong. Katherine Kealoha says her court-appointed attorney was ineffective, inexperienced and uncooperative during the trial. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha appears in shackles. Deputy prosecutor- turned-felon Katherine Kea­loha shuffled into federal court Thursday wearing an off-white, short-sleeve prison jumpsuit, navy blue boat shoes and shackles around her ankles. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha will get a new lawyer. Cynthia Kagiwada filed a motion to withdraw and the judge approved it Thursday. KHON2.

State backs affordable-housing towers. A state agency is inclined to provide $130 million for a developer to build two apartment towers near Aloha Stadium for low-income households despite contentious community meetings over much of the project earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers express anxiety, excitement at TMT construction site atop Mauna Kea. The construction site for the Thirty Meter Telescope is on the mountain’s northern plateau, about 400 feet below the summit. Hawaii News Now.

Institute for Astronomy to continue managing telescope. The University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy was awarded a contract by NASA to continue to manage its telescope on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Cracking down on ag theft: New law provides counties with an enforcement officer. Legislation recently signed by Gov. David Ige aims to address agricultural theft and vandalism on Hawaii Island and Maui. Tribune-Herald.

Preparing for the 2020 census: People will be able to fill out their forms online for the first time. But challenges remain in making sure every person in every community, in every state, is counted accurately, Census Bureau representatives told the County Council earlier this week. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court to weigh in on police shooting accomplice case. Prosecutors are seeking relief from the Hawaii Supreme Court in the case of four of the seven defendants accused of aiding accused cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Liquor panel finally approves rules changes. Maui County brewpubs will be able to serve their industry standard 16-ounce beers and provide multiple sample-size beers to customers, according to rule amendments approved Wednesday morning by the Maui County Liquor Commission. Maui News.

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Officials lift evacuation order but warn that fire is still ‘an active threat’. All evacuation orders triggered by a massive wildfire in Central Maui were lifted Thursday night, but the mayor of Maui County warned residents to remain on alert because the fire is still posing a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Evacuees allowed to return home after brush fire scorches 3,000 acres. KHON2.

All evacuees may return home, Maui County says. KITV.

UPDATE 10:20 P.M.: Motorists allowed back into Kihei amid fire; airport, Kuihelani Highway open. Shelter, road updates. Maui News.

Maui Brush Fire Forces Evacuations. The blaze was still uncontained Thursday evening, and two shelters had been opened. Civil Beat.

An enormous wildfire swept across 3,000 acres of mostly fallow former sugar cane fields Thursday, forcing thousands to evacuate, closing down highways, trapping some residents for hours and diverting flights from Kahului Airport to Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A brush fire that prompted evacuations and diverted some flights on the Hawaii island of Maui remained uncontained, officials said Thursday night. An evacuation notice was sent to the cellphones of residents in the town of Maalaea and in parts of Kihei, a Maui County official said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Illegal Parking Fees Rise From $35 To $235 On Kauai’s North Shore. The steepened penalty is expected to deter problematic illegal parking near popular beaches, trailheads and attractions on Kauai’s secluded North Shore. Civil Beat.

State to raise fines for illegally-parked cars along parts of Kauai’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore community showed up in force at the Waipa Foundation Center Wednesday evening to take part in an Office of Hawaiian Affairs public meeting. Garden Island.

The salt beds are flooded on Kauai’s Westside, thanks to a combination of king tides, high surf and blocked drainage. Garden Island.

Ige seeks statewide pre-K, higher minimum wage, larger county TAT share, condos on state land in State of the State address, vacation rental crackdown on two islands, homeless count begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige 2019 State of the State address PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige announced two of the boldest initiatives of his administration Tuesday by proposing to restructure as much as half of the state’s public elementary schools to accommodate state-funded preschools, and to lease out state lands for condominium developments. Star-Advertiser.

Governor's State of the State: Pre-K, Condos on State Land and TAT Back to Counties. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige: ‘The Future Is Personal.' Hawaii’s governor calls for a statewide preschool system and more hotel tax revenue for the counties. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige laid out Tuesday what he called a road map for creating universal public preschool in Hawaii throughout several decades. The second-term governor introduced his idea during his State of the State address at the Capitol. Associated Press.

In his fifth State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. David Ige outlined an ambitious agenda for his second term, pledging to dramatically expand the state-funded preschool program, increase the inventory of affordable housing and bring the minimum wage in the islands “closer to a living wage.” Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's minimum wage boosted to $15 an hour and our public schools restructured! Those are some of the key proposals from Governor David Ige's 5th State of the State address. KHON2.

About half of elementary schools in Hawaii still have sixth grade classrooms. The governor is proposing to change that as part of a bid to significantly bolster preschool offerings in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

DOE on board with Ige's public Pre-K plan. During Tuesday's State of the State address, Governor Ige proposed restructuring Hawaii's public schools, including implementing access to public per-kindergarten. KITV.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 2019 State of the State address here.

Hear Governor Ige's Full 2019 State of State Address. Audio link. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Energy Office — And Other Programs — May Face The Budget Ax. Money for several programs will be eliminated from a current House budget bill as lawmakers press the fiscal reset button and ask agencies to justify their funding. Civil Beat.

You’ve heard a lot about a ‘living wage.’ Here’s what that actually means in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

New proposal seeks to increase punishments for drunk drivers. Representative Chris Lee is proposing harsher punishments for people convicted with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or who have had their licenses revoked by the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office for drunk driving. KHON2.

More than a dozen proposed laws relating to marijuana or cannabis products were or will be introduced in the state House and Senate, ranging from a proposed expansion of the conditions legally treatable by medical cannabis to a total decriminalization of cannabis for personal recreational use. Tribune-Herald.

A legislative package consisting of a total of 10 bills and one resolution in each chamber has been introduced by the Women’s Legislative Caucus to address a series of issues facing women in Hawaii. Maui News.

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The first night of the annual Point in Time Count, a nationwide homeless census that will determine whether Hawaii continues to lead the country with the highest per capita rate of homelessness, began Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

An army of volunteers hit the streets across the state Tuesday night to take part in a statewide count of Hawaii’s homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

New questions about natural disasters, domestic violence on Point in Time Count Survey. Volunteers take to the streets to count Hawaii's homeless in the the annual Point in Time Count. KITV.

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Food stamp program’s funding is in doubt. Most of the 160,000 Hawaii residents dependent on government food stamps received benefits Sunday to last them until March. Star-Advertiser.

Bail Reform Could Get Serious Consideration From Legislature. A task force proposed reducing the number of pretrial inmates who remain incarcerated because they can’t afford the bail amount. Civil Beat.

The government shutdown creating public safety concerns at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. KHON2.

Hawaii hotel occupancy fell slightly in 2018, but revenue continued to climb as higher room rates made up for the fewer filled rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is the worst state in the nation to drive in, according to a study released today by personal finance website, WalletHub. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning Committee holds up vacation rental bills. Action on seven bills establishing rules for bed-and-breakfast and transient vacation units were postponed Tuesday by the City Council Planning Committee after more than 2-1/2 hours of testimony. Star-Advertiser.

City Council debates fate of Oahu's short term rentals. The Honolulu City Planning Committee heard seven bills that would drastically change the fees, fines and enforcement of thousands of Oahu's short rental housing units. KITV.

A better Kalihi; Governor David Ige briefly mentions this in Tuesday's state of the state address. Ige wants to revitalize the neighborhood, and the first step would be to move the jail. KHON2.

An aging east Honolulu marine loading dock that’s integral to several commercial boating operations has collapsed. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists Surprised To Find Endangered Seabirds On Oahu. The critically endangered Newell’s shearwater and Hawaiian petrel were thought to be living almost exclusively on Kauai. Civil Beat.

A medical office building is expected to rise near a senior-living complex in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Lower federal taxes help Territorial double earnings. Star-Advertiser.

‘Dog’ and Beth Chapman closing Da Kine Bail Bonds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vacation rental rules to be unveiled soon. West Hawaii Today.

Waikapuna Top Open Space Priority For 2018. Big Island Video News.

County nixes purchase of parcels inundated by lava during 2018 eruption. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona farmers grow wise to little fire ants. West Hawaii Today.

The former Safeway space at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo soon will have a new tenant. A lease was signed with Tractor Supply Co., confirmed mall management this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Altres is offering temporary jobs to furloughed workers. Same-day pay option available for people impacted by federal shutdown. Maui News.

VA meeting scheduled on Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Garden Island asked Kauai’s legislators for their reactions to Gov. David Ige’s State of the State address on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Families impacted by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history are able to get food packages on Thursdays for a month starting Thursday through Feb. 21. Garden Island.